Inequality between the sexes is rife, and not just confined to the workplace. This inequality has also spilled into their approach to critical illness insurance. In many cases the difference in male and female attitudes to critical illness cover is directly linked to the current and projected state of their health.

Although statistics would imply that men should take better care of their health, many men do not go to a doctor if they are unwell. For many this is because they are concerned about taking time off work for doctors appointments because they are worried about the effect that this will have on their jobs. Similarly, they also are less likely than women to take time off work to recover from illnesses.

Women on the other hand generally look after themselves better. They are more likely to take a day off work if they are sick and are more interested in eating healthily and exercising.

Ironically, men are more likely than women to develop a critical illness before retirement age than women. 1 in 5 men aged between 20 and 40 die before reaching their 65th birthday whilst 1 in 4 men become critically ill before retirement age.

Conversely, 1 in 5 women become critically ill before the age of 65. Moreover, men are more likely than women to suffer from a heart attack before retirement age.

The take up of critical illness cover also differs between the sexes. Recent research into critical illness insurance purchasing habits demonstrates that men are more likely to buy policies than women. They also tend to claim more against critical illness insurance policies than women.

As a result, a number of healthcare companies have started to offer screening as an additional policy option. This is because they are realising that men should be encouraged to take better care of themselves by employing preventative measures. This approach can reap substantial rewards. Detecting an illness early on can vastly improve recovery rates whilst the process itself can help identify unhealthy lifestyle habits which can be remedied.

Men and women respond differently to health issues and the importance of critical illness cover. Men tend to take a more laid back approach to their health but do prepare for the possibility of becoming seriously ill by taking out critical illness insurance. Women on the other hand, take the issue of health and wellbeing more seriously but are less likely to take out critical illness cover.